CYBER ATTACKS: China calls for int’l cooperation

CHINA: China on Wednesday refuted allegations of hacking activities as groundless, calling for international cooperation to fight cyber crime rather than criticize each other in an irresponsible way.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing, noting that groundless criticism is “irresponsible and unprofessional, which will not help to solve the problem.”

U.S. cyber security firm Mandiant on Monday released a report which alleged that a secret Chinese military unit in Shanghai was behind years of cyber attacks against U.S. companies.

“Firmly opposing cyber attacks, China has established relevant laws and regulations to crack down on hacking,” Hong said.

China has been a major victim of cyber attacks, most of which are from the United States, according to Hong.

He said China and the United States have maintained communication over the issue, adding that as cyber crime is an international problem, it should be solved through international cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and respect. Earlier on Wednesday, China’s military spokesman also said the country’s armed forces had never backed any hacking activities, denouncing U.S. cyber security firm Mandiant’s report as groundless both in facts and legal basis.

PEOPLES DAILY